Though the Early Modern Period is known for its overwhelming concurrence regarding the distinction between the Mind and Body, several philosophers argued that they were in fact identical. In other words, they argued that the mind is just a physical thing.
Thomas Hobbes' Identity Theory
(5 April 1588 – 4 December 1679)
Hobbes lays out Descartes theory as such:
I think.
I am thinking.
Therefore, I am (corporeal).
Hobbes agrees that there is a thing that exists, but is not convinced it it corporeal. It could have matter or substance, but it does not necessarily have a body. "...but it does not follow from this that is must be understood from the viewpoint of their being bodies [sub ratione corporum]." (Against Meditation II)
Hobbes' Argument
Baruch Spinoza's Identity Theory
(November 24, 1632 – February 21, 1677)
Spinoza believes that there is only one thing and that one thing is God. All other things are attributes, or "modes," of God. Because of this, Spinoza believes that the human mind is part of God's mind. So, when we say that we perceive something, all that really happens is that God has an idea and it is reflected in us. (Ethics, Proposition 11)
Spinoza's Argument
Proposition 13
If the mind were something beyond the body, we would have experiences of the mind causing things.
But we do not have experiences of the mind causing things.
Thomas Hobbes' Identity Theory
(5 April 1588 – 4 December 1679)
Hobbes lays out Descartes theory as such:
Hobbes agrees that there is a thing that exists, but is not convinced it it corporeal. It could have matter or substance, but it does not necessarily have a body. "...but it does not follow from this that is must be understood from the viewpoint of their being bodies [sub ratione corporum]." (Against Meditation II)
Hobbes' Argument
Baruch Spinoza's Identity Theory
(November 24, 1632 – February 21, 1677)
Spinoza believes that there is only one thing and that one thing is God. All other things are attributes, or "modes," of God. Because of this, Spinoza believes that the human mind is part of God's mind. So, when we say that we perceive something, all that really happens is that God has an idea and it is reflected in us. (Ethics, Proposition 11)
Spinoza's Argument
Proposition 13